Angel Tree

IF THIS TREE COULD TALK, WHAT STORIES IT COULD TELL. This tree, called Angel Oak, is located on Johns Island, one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands and owned and protected by the City of Charleston. It is estimated to be more than 1,400 years old and stands 65 feet tall. It’s old, tired lower limbs, the size of normal trees themselves, receive man-made support in a few places as you can see in this photograph by photographer Mark Requidan. This image was selected as “one of the best pictures on the web,” quite an honor, I’d say.

The Angel Oak, as it is called, is thought to be one of the largest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Local folklore in the area tell of stories of ghosts of former slaves appearing as angels around the tree. It has survived countless hurricanes and floods and acorns from this tree have produced direct offspring descendants.

You DEFINITELY want to click on this image for a larger view. You do, really!